DTM Introduces Group Qualifying at Norisring

DTM has altered its qualifying procedure for the upcoming Norisring round, introducing a one-off grouped format for the street circuit event.

Organisers had looked for ways to alter the format, as they feared that the short nature of the Nuremberg street circuit would not allow all 29 cars to have enough space to set a clean qualifying lap.

To achieve this, the field will be split up into two groups, based on the championship standings at the start in the event.

The drivers in the odd positions in the points table will be in group A, while those in the even positions will occupy group B. 

Each group will have their own 20-minute qualifying session separated by a five-minute break, with group A going out first on Saturday and group B following later.

The two drivers with the fastest time of each group will be starting on the front row, while the driver on pole position will be allowed to choose the side for pole position.

Notably, DTM has stated that the drivers from the pole group will be allowed to line up behind.

“Fair conditions, that is the goal of this exception,” Frederic Elsner, director event & operations, ITR said. “Because of the luxury problem of the high number of cars, we were forced to split.

“With the current format, every driver gets the best possible conditions to achieve fast lap times at this short race track.

“Reversing the order of the two groups for second qualifying on Sunday ensures fairness. Spectators can look forward to an open, unimpeded battle for pole position.”

The order will be reversed on Sunday, with group B leading out group A.

“There was a vivid and good interaction with the drivers and teams,” Layla Wagner, manager competition & technology at ITR, added.

“Under guidance of race director Scot Elkins, the qualifying situation at Norisring was discussed with everyone involved and a fair solution was found in the end.”